As we set forth into the heart of winter, we’re thrilled to welcome LEGATO back to TOR. The Eton Messy regular is waking waves in the international scene with recent offerings on All Day I Dream and Nightcolours, showcasing his distinct indie-leaning sound. The Londoner entered the TOR fold last year in pristine fashion, summoning the sensational I’m Waiting For You on our last Tales of Romance project. Next on the docket is his first full outing on the imprint – the And Still, I Rise EP.
Commanding the A1 role is Lost Without You, which perfectly summarizes the LEGATO sound we’ve come to love. Chopped and trippy vocals ebb and flow, as sharp percussion keeps the groove alive. A touch of acid enters the fold to melt the mind and ignite dancefloors, while a foundational melancholic melody cuts deep for the home listeners.
The project’s namesake – And Still, I Rise – turns the dial and kicks things into high gear. A punchy drumline greets ominous bass tones to form the underbelly, while fluttering synthetics take care of the high end. A constant riser, the B-side is built for moments of exaltation, and will no doubt catch the ear of global selectors.
Closing out LEGATO’s tantalizing trio is The Dawn Aurora. Lush lo-fi tones bring an easy-flowing groove, while a signature hook sets on rotation to get the feet moving. An emotive ambience is omnipresent, crafting a tune brimming with after-hour potential.
To celebrate the release of ‘And still, I rise’ EP we sat down with Legato to find out more on the project.
WWD: James, thanks for joining us today and welcome back to TOR! Where are you writing from today?
It’s great to be back! Really excited to have this release out with you guys and I appreciate all your support on my music. Today, I’m writing to you from my home city Lichfield, which is just North of Birmingham, UK.
WWD: Many congrats on the new release! Was there a primary source of inspiration for this project – a particular person, place, or sound?
Thanks man! I wrote these tracks at different stages of 2021 and I think sonically, each one reflects how I was feeling at that particular time. It’s been a rough ride personally these past twelve months. I’ve been dealing with bereavement and grief, so channeling that energy into something positive and creative has been essential.
WWD: The WWD team has been especially loving ‘Lost Without You’, and feel as if it fully embodies the LEGATO sound. Take us through your process while creating this stellar tune.
Ambience has always been an essential element to form the base of my music, I often go out into the city or into the countryside and just sit and record what’s going on around me. ‘Lost Without You’ includes the sound of the rain and city and is a big part of the track. A huge inspiration for me has always been UKG and dubstep, I grew up with those genres and it was my entry point into electronic music and production. Despite moving into house and techno as a producer, ‘Lost Without You’ heralds back to my love of those genres, adapting them into my LEGATO sound! The acid bassline in the breakdowns comes from me fiddling around on a 303 and applying expansive reverb. The yearning vocals and strings are sample based, but heavily modulated and effected.
WWD: We saw you were just in Dubai to play your first All Day I Dream party – super stuff! How’d the set go down?
Ahhh it was just amazing. My journey with Lee (Burridge) and All Day I Dream so far has been, well, a dream… I connected with Lee on soundcloud a few years back and he’s been nothing but supportive of me as I develop as a DJ and producer. I see the man as an inspiration and mentor and feel privileged to have him take me under his wing. When the offer came through to play my first show with the label, I was in shock. I think I played my best set to date and also got to meet and connect with Gorje Hewek and look forward to working with him going forward too. I’m so excited for future shows and releases with Lee and Gorje!
WWD: Which producers & labels do you most look up to at the moment? Any english up-and-comers that we should know about?
My top producer at the moment has to be Tim Green. Everything he touches seems to turn into gold, particularly his progressive piano tracks. ‘Sea Parade’ (Shanti Radio Moscow) and remix of Swoof’s ‘Tidal’ (ADID). They really hit the spot for me and I’ve been loving playing those out in my sets. My other favorite producer right now is Vince Watson. I just love his whole catalog. He has this special melancholic, but upbeat sound and his bass lines are unrivaled. In my day job, I work for CircoLoco Records at Rockstar Games and some of the new music penciled for this year is sounding just amazing, so make sure you look out for that!
WWD: What keeps you busy outside of the studio? Any hobbies to take a break from music?
I’m a keen runner. I ran my first marathon last year in Brighton in memory of my Dad. I did it in just over 4hrs. Looking to hopefully do a better time in London this year and maybe a few other half marathons too. I also follow football and play cricket (when I can!). Having started a Rockstar Games last year, I’ve dusted off my PS4 and got back into gaming too haha.
WWD: Whats on the radar for the next couple months – any more big releases coming up to put on our radar
I’ve just signed a few more singles to Eton Messy and looking forward to continuing our relationship in 2020. I credit Charlie and Ed for giving me my first platform as a producer and taking me on initially when I had no music, fans or anything! I’m hoping to have an EP with one of the All Day I Dream labels too and another EP with Nightcolours. I’m also now on the books with Anjunadeep with a release coming up on their Explorations EP. Looking to take on some remixes this year also!
WWD: James, thanks for joining us and congrats again on the project. Hope to see you soon!
Let’s go! Here’s to When We Dip, XYZ and TOR 🥂
Connect with LEGATO
Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/legato_uk
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/legato_uk/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/legatouk
Connect with XYZ – https://linktr.ee/wwd.xyz
Stream releases in full via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2uDd07z
LEGATO – And Still, I Rise [TOR030].
Release Date – 02.18.2022
Stream & Buy – https://xyzlabel.lnk.to/AndStillIRise